Things are Bigger in Texas

Michelle Blackley, Amy Butler, Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins

Things are bigger in Texas, and Quilt Market 2009, from October 10 to 12 in Houston, was no different. Thousands shuffled through the George R. Brown Convention Center and were bombarded with bobbins, textiles, and how-to books. Highlighting two of the days were signings with Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, celebrating the release of their new book, One-Yard Wonders. It's the only book of its kind (with 101 projects), and crowds rushed the Notions and Checkers table for advance copies.

Signing and demonstration at Checkers

These charming fabricaholic authors showcased projects from the book, from apparel to accessories, from plush toys to pet beds, from baby items to bags, and from home décor to Happy Birthday banners, all made with just one yard of fabric. Outfitted with the desire to have a unique style, Yaker and Hoskins are giving the novice and most accomplished sewers alike the biggest book of sewing projects ever — 101 projects to make and customize.

Celebrities of the craft world, such as Amy Butler of Amy Butler Design, were thrilled to see their fabrics featured in One-Yard Wonders. Amy took a copy of the book home to Ohio for her personal collection.

Patricia Hoskins, Nicole and Phillip Alexander, Rebecca Yaker

Just in time for the preholiday rush, One-Yard Wonders promises gift-worthy solutions for that stash of irresistible fabric-store buys and leftover scraps. At last it’s time to stop storing and start sewing! Great fabric should never hide in a closet. One-Yard Wonders offers an original collection of designs with hip, contemporary flair, 101 projects that can be completed in a few hours, using the most desirable patterns for crafty sewers and featuring a wide range of fabrics from today’s designers. Sewing aficionados Yaker and Hoskins solicited these fabulous fabric projects through a global online campaign, choosing easy yet sophisticated patterns for all sewing levels. One-Yard Wonders includes everything you need. For each project there is a full-size pattern piece if needed, easy step-by-step instructions, and simple illustrations. Templates are also included wherever needed, and full-color photos of the finished product and handy tips on special techniques are there for every project. All any crafter needs to do is dig into the stash and add her own unique flair.

As part of the celebration surrounding the release of One-Yard Wonders, Storey is offering One-Yard Wonders Yard-of-the Month Sweepstakes. For a full year the lucky winners will receive one yard of fabric every month, along with an extra gift. Visit www.storey.com/oneyardwonders.php for more information. Alexander Henry Fabrics will be donating fabulous pieces of fabric throughout the year, and the company was thrilled to see a final copy of the book at Quilt Market.

Dust off the sewing machine, forget about high-priced fashions, and start crafting one-of-a kind creations!

— Michelle Blackley, Senior Publicist

Photos by Gene Pittman